Creatively Inspired Series: Kori Clark

The Creatively Inspired Interview Series features some incredibly inspiring creative entrepreneurs that are sharing with you a little about themselves and their business. I deeply admire each of these women and how they run their businesses as well as live their lives. They have uniquely found a way to find success with their own business while finding joy in their personal life at the same time. I hope this series inspires you to find joy and inspiration in your own life, business, or career. Whether you are a business owner, stay at home mom, or someone finding their way in the world, my hope is that the stories of these creative entrepreneurs touch you for where you are at in your own life.

Today we are getting to know Kori Clark. Meet Kori:

How did you get started in this business?

I have a degree in graphic design, and when my daughter was born, I made the decision to try going fully to freelance work, so that I could stay home with her.

Why are you in business?

Because I love what I do with a passion! I strive to create artwork that makes people feel comforted, at home, and gives a sense of some nostalgia. What drives me is when a client emails me to let me know that my artwork brought them so much joy. That joy is why I work so hard at what I do!

Who inspires you?

I feel inspired by so many people, but I guess I would have to say that my close friends and family inspire me the most. Not in the traditional way of being inspired by someone's story, life, or how they made it through struggles and successes, but I mean they make me feel inspired to get busy. I have found that I gather the most inspiration and passion for my business when I stop looking at what the world is doing and I start talking to those close to me about what I am doing. I find those talks inspire me into action, make me excited for the future, and provide faith in my path.

What inspires you?

I'm sure it's no surprise, but I am very inspired by art. I love getting to know other artists and watching their work, as well as admiring the classics. I am also inspired daily by reading, nature, architecture, fashion, and good conversation.

What is one thing you have learned through making a mistake?

My biggest mistake was undervaluing my work early on. Being a freelance designer, I didn't have a lot of overhead, and being new I felt I was pricing right for someone with little "true" experience. The problem is that when you start low, and gain clients that you carry for years, it's hard to increase your prices. You also are undervaluing your family and the time taken from them. I learned to always include what I believed I was worth per hour or job... And I eventually learned to value myself and my work!

What is one thing you have learned from someone you admire in the creative industry?

It's OK if world domination isn't your goal. This is actually something I learned from a few creatives I admire, but mainly my good friend and amazing family photographer Courtney Vickers. She has reminded me on many occasions that the goal isn't always to take the world by storm, but to continue making a living doing what you love. I am not trying to build an empire, with warehouses and factories, instead I want a life in my home office and days filled with art...and that's ok!

What is your biggest regret in your business?

Saying yes to too many things early on...it left me exhausted, cranky, and without focus. If I could go back, I would have tried hard to only work on projects that made complete sense for my business growth.

What is your proudest moment in your business?

Seeing my designs published in print for a national magazine. I love working on designs for the web, but I was so proud to hold a piece of my work in my hands...and know that someone else loved it enough to print it.

What are three things that keep you motivated?

Diet Coke, My Kids, and my husband... not in that order.

What is on your desk right now?

My planner, a coffee cup, a globe, and my alpaca statues from Bolivia

What is your favorite quote or bible verse?

"Put on love" Col 3:14 - I love this reminder...it's the most important thing we can do to prepare for every day!

What is your favorite color?

Yellow

What is your favorite pattern?

Just one?? I guess I have to say stripes. Walking my daughter to school last year, another mom said "You are a stripe girl, aren't you? You have so many striped clothes!" I honestly hadn't realized it, but when I double checked my closet, she was right.

What is one thing that always makes you laugh?

My husband

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring creative entrepreneurs?

Learn to take breaks...in the beginning it's so exciting that we all want to work as much and as hard as we can, which leaves very little time for the rest of life and I have witnessed creative burnout from small businesses over and over. Schedule breaks (even if they are small) to refill your cup and enjoy the life you are working so hard to build.